Monument record MDR15540 - White coal kiln / charcoal burning platform, Catchfold Wood, Brampton

There are, in old coppice oak woodlands in Brampton parish, hollows that are usually called 'charcoal pits'. Documents from the 17th century refer to 'white coal kilns' and 'charcoal pits'. Excavation of two of these pits has refuted the charcoal pit theory; although they could still relate to white coal (kiln dried wood). The only product found in the excavated pits was coke. Traditional charcoal making hearths were also called 'platforms' or 'pitstoods'. The old woods have many of these charcoal platforms. It appears that the documentary term 'charcoal pits' probably refers to traditional charcoal platforms. This feature, at SK 317 725, is one of twenty identified in Brampton parish. (1)